By Fr Richard Burkhao for BISMumbai

The presences of Jyoti and Resurrection Church, Virar, were blessed with the presence of the Regional Councillor Fr Biju Michael Pulianmackal SDB on 19 November 2022 as he commenced the extraordinary visitation in the community. 

Fr Biju Michael arrived at Jyoti, Virar (West), at 11 a.m. and was warmly welcomed by the Salesians of both presences. He then gave an opening conference to them during which he exhorted the confreres to be loyal to Don Bosco’s mission of evangelization and faith formation. Later in the afternoon he met all the Salesians individually. 

In the evening, Fr Biju Michael met the different groups of the parish at Jyoti, and some of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco. He was welcomed in their presence by Fr William Falcao and Fr Richard Burkhao by a traditional jacket, a cap and with bouquets of flowers given by the various groups present. While addressing the gathering, he appreciated and thanked the Vasai region for giving several vocations to the Salesian congregation. He exhorted the faithful to continue to support and contribute to fulfill the mission of Don Bosco. Later, there was an interactive session in which representatives from all groups expressed their views, needs and expectations from the Salesian congregation. 

The following day, 20 November 2022, Fr Biju Michael left for Resurrection Church, Virar (East). On his arrival he was welcomed by the community. Since it was the feast of Christ the King, he participated in a Eucharistic procession carrying the Eucharistic monstrance, which was held around Manvelpada area. The procession was accompanied by the first communicants. Motorcycles and vehicles also accompanied the procession. The procession was followed by the Eucharist for which he was the principal celebrant. After the Mass, he met the youth, the parish council and the Salesian Cooperators for a short while.

In the afternoon, the Salesians of both presences met together for the concluding conference by Fr Biju Michael. The visitation concluded with lunch and at around 3:00 p.m. the extraordinary visitor left for Don Bosco, Naigaon.